Computer-executable game on a graphical user interface with validity periods for game content

ABSTRACT

An information processing device that progresses a game using a game content associated with a player. In response to receiving an obtaining request, the device selects a subset of game contents, where a portion of the game contents has a same identification information and each of the portion of the game contents has a different validity period. The device obtains a validity period associated with each of the selected game contents. When a first game content associated with the player has the same identification information as a second game content, the device updates, for each game content, a validity period of the first game content based on the validity period of the second game content in the subset of game contents. The device then restricts use of the first game content in the game when the validity period of the first game content lapses.

This is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/777,026 filed onJan. 30, 2020, which is a Bypass Continuation of PCT/JP2018/028562 filedon Jul. 31, 2018, which claims the benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. 2017-148400 filed on Jul. 31, 2017. The disclosure ofthe prior applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to a program, a method, and aninformation processing device for processing progress of a game.

2. Description of Related Art

Recently, developments have been made for games in which game contentsthat can be used by a player are provided either free-of-charge or for afee. Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2016-214465 (JP2016-214465) discloses a game in which a character card, which is a gamecontent, is provided for a player free-of-charge only when the game isplayed for the first time and a character card advantageous for the gameto progress is provided for the player for a fee. In the game of JP2016-214465, whereas the player is provided with a free character carddetermined at a predetermined probability through a lottery, the playercan select a non-free character card that is to be provided. In the gameof JP 2016-214465, the player can use a card that has once been providedat any time.

As described above, in the game of JP 2016-214465, a game contentprovided for free and a game content provided for a fee become thepossessions of the player once the game contents are provided. Further,the player can use the game contents at any time. Thus, even if a newgame content is introduced into the game, a large number of players maybe able to use the game content. As a result, the rareness or value ofthe game content cannot be maintained.

SUMMARY

It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a program, amethod, and an information processing device for a game that maintainthe rareness or value of a game content even if the game content hasbeen provided for a player.

Means for Solving the Problem

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes acomputer to execute a progress function to cause a game to progressusing a game content associated with a player, a storing function tostore a plurality of game contents having the same identificationinformation of game content, different validity periods being set forthe game contents, a selection function to select a set of game contentsfrom the plurality of game contents if an obtaining request for gamecontent is received from the player, a setting function to obtain avalidity period associated with each of the selected game contents andupdate, for each game content, a validity period of a first game contentassociated with the player based on the validity period of the selectedgame content if the first game content includes the same identificationinformation as the selected game content, and a restriction function torestrict use of the first game content in the game if the validityperiod of the first game content associated with the player lapses.

The selection function may select the game content based on a provisionprobability that changes as a number of times of the obtaining requestincreases. A provision probability of providing the game content may beset for the validity period of the game content. The selection functionmay select, in a single selection of the game content, the set of gamecontents from game contents associated with validity periods for whichthe same provision probability is set.

A provision probability of providing the game content may be set for thevalidity period of the game content. The selection function may select,in a single selection of the game content, the set of game contents fromgame contents associated with validity periods for which differentprovision probabilities are set.

The storing function may store validity periods that differ in number orlength in association with game contents each having differentidentification information. The selection function may differentiateprovision probabilities among game contents each having differentidentification information and associated with the same validity period.

The program according to the above-described aspect of the presentdisclosure may cause the computer to execute a display function todisplay a validity period set for the game content. If the settingfunction sets a new validity period for the game content, the displayfunction may display the new validity period.

If the obtaining request is received from the player, the selectionfunction may request a fee from the player and increases the fee eachtime a number of times of the obtaining request increases. The selectionfunction may change, during occurrence of a game event, the feerequested from the player based on a remaining time until a point intime the game event ends.

A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes aprogress step for causing a game to progress using a game contentassociated with a player, a storing step for storing a plurality of gamecontents having the same identification information of game content,different validity periods being set for the game contents, a selectionstep for selecting a set of game contents from the plurality of gamecontents if an obtaining request for game content is received from theplayer, a setting step for obtaining a validity period associated witheach of the selected game contents and updating, for each game content,a validity period of a first game content associated with the playerbased on the validity period of the selected game content if the firstgame content includes the same identification information as theselected game content, and a restriction step for restricting use of thefirst game content in the game if the validity period of the first gamecontent associated with the player lapses.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the presentdisclosure includes a progress processor that causes a game to progressusing a game content associated with a player, a memory processor thatstores a plurality of game contents having the same identificationinformation of game content, different validity periods being set forthe game contents, a selection processor that selects a set of gamecontents from the plurality of game contents if an obtaining request forgame content is received from the player, a setting processor thatobtains a validity period associated with each of the selected gamecontents and updates, for each game content, a validity period of afirst game content associated with the player based on the validityperiod of the selected game content if the first game content includesthe same identification information as the selected game content, and arestriction processor that restricts use of the first game content inthe game if the validity period of the first game content associatedwith the player lapses.

The program according to the aspect of the present disclosure can beimplemented with at least the following three configurations. That is,the program may be executed with: configuration (a) in which theinformation processing device functions as a client device (for example,a smartphone or a personal computer) and the program is executed on theclient device; configuration (b) in which the information processingdevice functions as a server device (for example, a mainframe, a clustercomputer, or any computer that can provide a game service for anexternal device), part of or all of the program is executed on theserver device, and the result of the executed process is returned to aclient device; or configuration (c) in which the process included in theprogram is shared by a client device and a server device.

Accordingly, the display function achieved by the program may cause adisplay device to display a game view by (a) outputting information (forexample, display information) to an external display device (forexample, a display of a mobile terminal) that is communicably connectedto the information processing device via a predetermined network (forexample, the Internet) or (b) by outputting display information to adisplay device of the information processing device.

Further, the following configuration may be employed: (a) a clientdevice communicably connected to the information processing device via apredetermined network (for example, the Internet) includes apredetermined input device, the client device transmits, to theinformation processing device, operation input information that has beeninput via the predetermined input device (for example, a touch panel ofa mobile terminal), and an information processing function achieved bythe program on the information processing device obtains the operationinput information; and (b) an information processing device includes apredetermined input device and an information processing functionobtains operation input information via the predetermined input device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game systemaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the mobile terminal inthe embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a server in theembodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show example configurations of data stored in a memoryof the server in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows another example configuration of data stored in the memoryof the server in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a screen view that is displayed on adisplay of a mobile terminal in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is another schematic diagram of a screen view that is displayedon the display of the mobile terminal in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a further schematic diagram of a screen view that is displayedon the display of the mobile terminal in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart illustrating the process of the game in theembodiment.

FIG. 10 is further schematic diagram of a screen view that is displayedon the display of the mobile terminal in a modification of theembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart illustrating the process of the game in themodification of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An aspect of the present invention will now be described in detail withreference to the drawings. In a game system of an embodiment, a gamecontent such as a card can be given to a player by gacha, which refersto a free or non-free lottery mode. For some game contents such as cardsgiven by gacha, validity periods in which the game contents can be usedin a game are set. The player can use the game contents during thevalidity periods for the game to progress. Since the validity periodsare set for the game contents, the rareness or value of each of the gamecontents can be maintained even in a case in which the player has beenprovided with the game content. In addition, in a game system of anembodiment, the game content has time-related properties. This providesthe player with various ways to obtain game contents without excessivelyincreasing the processing load and the amount of data for mobileterminals 100 (100A to 100C) and a server 200. The validity periodstarts at a predetermined point in time, for example, when the playerobtains the game content, when the player is associated with the gamecontent, when the game content is set for a predetermined region in apredetermined view displayed during the execution of the game, and whenthe game content produces an effect in the game. The validity periodincludes a time period such as “10 hours,” the number of days such as “1day,” and a period in which a starting day (time) and an ending day(time) are defined such as “August 1 (12:00) to August 5 (12:00).” Thevalidity period also includes “infinite,” which allows for continuoususe without restriction.

Further, in a game system of an embodiment, the player can draw gachaagain with payment of a cost, and obtain a new validity period for apreviously-obtained game content. Since the player is given anopportunity to draw gacha again, the player selects, for the game toprogress, whether to use again the game content of which the validityperiod has lapsed. Thus, a game that is highly strategic and isintriguing for the player can be provided. Additionally, if a gamecontent that produces a high effect in the game is given to the playerby gacha, the balance of the game can be maintained in a favorablemanner by setting a validity period for a game content.

Further, in a game system of an embodiment, if the player draws gacha apredetermined number of times or more, it may be guaranteed that a gamecontent having no validity period (i.e., having an “infinite” validityperiod) is associated with the player. That is, in the game system, itmay be guaranteed that, if the player draws gacha the predeterminednumber of times or more, the player is given a game content that can beused by the player at any time. Thus, the player can obtain a gamecontent that can be used at any time and use a desired game content forthe game to progress. Accordingly, a game that is intriguing for theplayer can be provided. Further, the player can obtain a game contentthat can be used “infinitely” (i.e., a game content having an “infinite”validity period) by performing an obtaining request (gacha) thepredetermined number of times or more. This gives the player amotivation for a new obtaining request (gacha).

The game content is, for example, a card associated with a player. Thegame content is not limited to a card. Instead, the game content may beany medium as long as it is game-related electronic data such as anobject in the game associated with the player and used by the player inthe game for the game to progress. The game content may be, for example,obtained, possessed, used, managed, exchanged, integrated, reinforced,sold, abandoned, or donated by the user in the game. In addition to acard, the game content includes any medium such as an item, a virtualcurrency, a ticket, a character, an avatar, a level, status, parameterinformation (health value, attack force, or the like), or competencyinformation (skill, ability, spell, job, or the like). The game contentdoes not have to be used in the manner explicitly described in thespecification.

The types of a character and an item differ depending on material of thegame. The character and the item may be anything, for example, a human,an animal, fish/shellfish, or an insect. Alternatively, the characterand the item may be an automobile or an airplane. The character and theitem do not have to be represented by an icon such as a human or ananimal and may be represented, for example, by a symbol such as a circleor a triangle or by a letter. The character includes any one of multipleattributes. Each attribute may include a meaning related to the materialof the game. The attribute may be, for example, a “fire” element, a“water” element, an “earth” element, a “wind” element, or a “light”element. The attribute may be anything as long as it is related to thematerial of the game. The attribute is not limited to these examples.

Description will be hereinafter made of a configuration in which aninformation processing device according to one aspect of the presentinvention functions as a mobile terminal (client device) and a programaccording to one aspect of the present invention is executed as a nativeapplication (native game) in the mobile terminal. The mobile terminalcan access a host device (server or other mobile terminal) as necessaryand download information that changes as the game progresses (forexample, information related to a new version of the game or informationrelated to other players). Further, the mobile terminal can upload, tothe host device, information that changes as the game progresses. Inthis case, the mobile terminal can download or upload information thatchanges as the game progresses between the mobile terminal and the hostdevice in real-time or at a predetermined cycle. In addition, the mobileterminal and the host device can bi-directionally exchange informationthat changes as the game progresses in real-time or at a predeterminedcycle. Further, the game may be caused to progress in the mobileterminal if the mobile terminal cannot communicate with the host device,and bi-directional communication between the mobile terminal and thehost device may be started at the point in time the mobile terminal cancommunicate with the host device.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration ofthe game system according to an embodiment. The game system includes themobile terminals 100A to 100C and the server 200. While FIG. 1 showsonly three mobile terminals to facilitate explanation, there may bethree or more mobile terminals.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the mobile terminals 100A to 100C cancommunicate with the server 200 via a network 300. Further, each of themobile terminals 100A to 100C is able to communicate with each other viathe server 200. Each of the mobile terminals 100A to 100C may be able todirectly communicate with each other without the server 200.

The network 300 is a communication network that provides a path in whichthe mobile terminals 100 are connected to the server 200 such that themobile terminals 100 can transmit and receive data to and from theserver 200. The network 300 is, for example, a wired network or awireless network. The network 300 may be, for example, an intranet, anextranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), awireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a mobilephone network such as long term evolution (LTE) or code divisionmultiple access (CDMA), an integrated services digital network (ISDN),or a wireless LAN.

Hardware Configuration of Mobile Terminal 100

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main configurationof the mobile terminal 100 according to the embodiment. The mobileterminal 100 is an information processing device capable of executing aprogram including the processes described below. The mobile terminaldoes not have to be used as long as the following processes can beexecuted. Instead, the mobile terminal may be, for example, asmartphone, a tablet terminal, a console, a mobile phone (featurephone), a personal computer, or other electronic devices. The program isexecuted in a favorable manner at a multifunction device (for example,smartphone) including a display (displaying section), an input region(input receiver) where touch inputs using a finger, a stylus, or thelike can be detected, a memory, and one or more processors capable ofexecuting one or more programs stored in the memory.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 100 includes a communicationdevice 110, a memory 120, a controller 130, a display 140, an inputreceiver 150, an audio interface (I/F) 160, and a speaker 170.

The communication device 110 includes a receiver 111 and a transmitter112 and functions to execute communication with the server 200 and theother mobile terminals 100B and 100C via the network 300. Thecommunication may be wired communication or wireless communication.Additionally, as long as mutual communication can be performed, anycommunication protocol may be used.

The memory 120 includes a main memory having, for example, a read-onlymemory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM) and includes an auxiliarymemory. The auxiliary memory may be configured by, for example, a flashmemory as an internal memory of the mobile terminal 100. Alternatively,the auxiliary memory may be configured by, for example, a memory card asan external memory. Further, the memory 120 may include, as theauxiliary memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), orthe like. The memory 120 functions to store various types of programsand data that are necessary for the mobile terminal 100 to operate. Thatis, the memory 120 stores information (programs and data) of a gameinstalled in the mobile terminal 100 when, for example, the playerperforms downloading from the server via the network. Further, thememory 120 stores, for example, information related to game contents inthe game (for example, images of the game contents, attributes, rarity,or the degree of change in parameters related to the progress of thegame that is changed when associated with the player), a predeterminedcondition necessary for the game to progress, or information related tovarious conditions. The controller 130 reads and develops the programsand data stored in the ROM and the auxiliary memory, and then storesthem in the RAM. That is, the RAM functions as a working memory of thecontroller 130 and stores, for example, temporal data used when theprograms are executed.

The memory 120 stores information related to game contents inassociation with parameters related to the progress of the game. Thedisplay 140 is a device that displays a game view. In the presentembodiment, the display 140 may be, for example, a liquid display or anorganic electro-luminescence (EL). In FIG. 2, the input receiver 150 andthe display 140 are separated from each other to indicate theirfunctions. However, for example, it is preferred that the input receiver150 and the display 140 be integrated with each other if the inputreceiver 150 is a touch panel and the display 140 is a liquid display.

The input receiver 150 accepts an operation input performed by a player.In the present embodiment, the input receiver 150 may be a touch panelcapable of detecting multi-touch, and the input receiver 150 detects acontact position where the input receiver 150 is touched by a finger ofthe player or a pointer (pointing device) such as a stylus, and outputs,to the controller 130, coordinate information related to the coordinatesof the detected contact position. In the present embodiment, the inputreceiver 150 accepts, for example, an operation input (for example,touch or flick operation) performed by the player on a game contentdisplayed on the display 140, the selection of a parameter related tothe progress of the game, or a tap operation on various buttons or thelike. The input receiver 150 may be a keypad or a button. Information ofa key or a button pressed by the player may be output to the controller130.

The audio I/F 160 is an interface of the speaker 170, a headphone (notshown), or an earphone (not shown). When producing sound effects,background music (BGM), or the like in a game, the controller 130controls the audio I/F 160 so as to output sounds from the speaker 170,the headphone, or the earphone.

The controller 130 is, for example, a processor and functions to controleach unit of the mobile terminal 100. The controller 130 includes aninformation processor 131, a communication processor 132, a progressprocessor 133, and a display processor 134. The controller 130implements each process using, for example, a CPU, an integrated circuit(IC) chip, or large scale integration (LSI).

Hardware Configuration of Server

The server 200 will now be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showingan example of the main configuration of the server 200 according to theembodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 200 includes at least acommunication device 210, a memory 220, and a controller 230.

The communication device 210 includes a receiver 211 and a transmitter212 and functions to execute communication with the mobile terminals100A to 100C via the network 300 in accordance with instructions fromthe controller 230. The receiver 211 receives a message and playerinformation that includes the progress of the game of each player. Themessage and the player information are transmitted from the mobileterminals 100A to 100C. The transmitter 212 transmits, to the mobileterminals 100A to 100C, another player information and a messageexchanged between players.

The controller 230 is a processor that functions to control each unit ofthe server 200. The controller 230 includes an information processor231, a memory processor 232, a selection processor 233, a settingprocessor 234, and a restriction processor 235. The controller 230implements each process using, for example, a CPU, an integrated circuit(IC) chip, or large scale integration (LSI).

The memory 220 functions to store (hold) various types of programs anddata that are necessary for the server 200 to operate. The memory 220stores the player information of each player (for example, the progressof the game, a possessed item, an obtained game content, activitystatus, and the history of interaction with other players). The memory220 includes a main memory having, for example, a read-only memory (ROM)and a random access memory (RAM) and includes an auxiliary memory. Theauxiliary memory typically includes various types of recording mediumssuch as a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a flashmemory. The controller 230 reads and develops the programs and datastored in the ROM and the auxiliary memory, and then stores them in theRAM, which functions as a working memory. That is, the RAM stores, forexample, temporal data used when the programs are executed.

The overview of the game realized by the program according to theembodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings.

Example of Functional Configuration of Server 200

The information processor 231 of the controller 230 of the server 200functions to transmit and receive various types of information to andfrom the mobile terminal 100 of a player. The information processor 231transmits and receives, to and from the mobile terminal 100 of theplayer, various types of information that are necessary for the game toprogress. For example, the information processor 231 transmits andreceives information for the game to progress using a game contentassociated with the player.

The information processor 231 receives, for example, information(request signal) for requesting the execution of gacha from the mobileterminal 100 possessed by the player. If receiving a request signal, theinformation processor 231 notifies the selection processor 233 of therequest signal. Further, the information processor 231 receives, forexample, information related to the payment of a fee from the mobileterminal 100. For example, the information processor 231 transmits, tothe mobile terminal 100, information related to validity periods that isset or updated for each of selected game contents.

The memory processor 232 functions to store various types of informationin the memory 220. The memory processor 232 stores, for example, datarelated to validity periods in the memory 220. FIG. 4 shows an exampleof data (table) related to validity periods. The example in FIG. 4 is anexample of data related to probabilities set for validity periods in acase that a player performs a first-time obtaining request (gacha).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, information related to validity periods isstored in the data related to validity periods for a card 23, which is agame content. In the data related to validity periods, a card 23 (gamecontent) is identified using identification information with which thecard 23 (game contents) can be uniquely identified. The identificationinformation with which a game content can be uniquely identified may be,for example, a character ID or an item ID.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in the data related to validity periods, foreach card 23, the rarity of the card 23, validity periods, andprobabilities (provision probabilities) respectively set for thevalidity periods are associated with each other. More specifically, inthe data related to validity periods, for card A, the rarity “S,” thevalidity periods “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and “30 hours,” and theprovision probabilities for the respective validity periods “3%,” “2%,”and “1%” are associated with each other. In a case that the number ofgame content in a group to be selectively provided by gacha is defined,as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the memory 220 may store the numbers of gamecontents to be provided instead of the provision probabilities of thegame contents. In more detail, “three” cards A having a validity periodof “10 hours,” “two” cards A having a validity period of “20 hours,” and“one” card A having a validity period of “30 hours” may be stored as thecandidates of cards associated with the player.

Further, in the data related to validity periods, for card B, the rarity“R,” “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and “30 hours,” and the provisionprobabilities for the respective validity periods “10%,” “9%,” and “8%”are associated with each other. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the total ofthe probabilities associated with the game contents given in response toan obtaining request (gacha) from the player is 100%. In a case that thenumber of game content in a group to be selectively provided for theplayer by gacha is defined, the memory 220 may store, as the candidatesof cards associated with the player, “10” cards B having a validityperiod of “10 hours,” “9” cards A having a validity period of “20hours,” and “8” cards A having a validity period of “30 hours” as beingaccommodated in a box. When the player draws one card, the number ofcards in the box decreases by one. This changes the probability of eachcard being selected. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the total number of gamecontents included in the box is, for example, “100.” The total number ofgame contents included in the box may be not necessarily 100. Instead,the total number of game contents included in the box may be any number.

The validity periods set for the cards 23, which are game contents, mayhave different lengths between the cards 23. For example, in the datarelated to validity periods, “10 hours,” “20 hours,” or “30 hours” maybe set as the validity period for card A, and “20 hours,” “40 hours,” or“60 hours” may be set as the validity period for card B. The validityperiod is not limited to “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and “30 hours” and mayinclude “1 day,” “2 days,” and “3 days,” or may include “infinite”(i.e., “no validity period”).

Additionally, in the data related to validity periods illustrated inFIG. 4, the provision probability differs between the validity periods.Instead, the provision probability may be the same for each validityperiod. For example, in a case that three validity periods (“10 hours,”“20 hours,” and “30 hours”) are set for one game content, the provisionprobability of each validity period may be set to “5%” or the number ofcards in the box of each validity period may be set to “5.”

Further, in the data related to validity periods, the informationrelated to validity periods may be set for each rarity of the card 23(game content), not for each card 23 (game content). For example, in thedata related to validity periods, “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and “30 hours”(validity periods) may be associated with rarity “S,” and “3%,” “2%,”and “1%” may be respectively associated with the validity periods asprovision probabilities. For example, in the data related to validityperiods, “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and “30 hours” (validity periods) maybe associated with rarity “R,” and “10%,” “9%,” and “8%” may berespectively associated with those validity periods as provisionprobabilities. In this case, based on the data related to validityperiods set for each rarity of the card 23 given to the player, theselection processor 233 sets the validity period of the card 23 given tothe player.

FIG. 5 shows an example of data related to validity periods. The examplein FIG. 5 is an example of the data related to probabilities set forvalidity periods in a case that a player performs a second-timeobtaining request (gacha).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the data related to validity periods, foreach card 23, the rarity of the card 23, validity periods, andprobabilities (provision probabilities) respectively set for thevalidity periods are associated with each other. More specifically, inthe data related to validity periods, for card A, the rarity “S,” thevalidity periods “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and “30 hours,” and theprovision probabilities for those validity periods “4%,” “3%,” and “2%”are associated with each other.

Further, in the data related to validity periods, for card B, the rarity“R,” “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and “30 hours,” the provision probabilitiesfor the validity periods and “9%,” “8%,” and “7%” are associated witheach other. In this manner, in the data related to validity periods, theprovision probability that is set in a case that the player performs asecond-time obtaining request (gacha) may differ from the provisionprobability that is set in a case that the player performs thefirst-time obtaining request (gacha), which is illustrated in FIG. 4A.The probability is greater than or equal to “0%” and less than or equalto “100%.” In a case in which the number of game content in a group tobe selectively provided by the player through gacha is defined asillustrated in FIG. 4B, after a predetermined number of cards (forexample, four cards) are drawn from the box, one or more high-value gamecontents (for example, game contents having an “infinite” validityperiod) may be added to the box.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are examples of the data related to the validity periodsof first-time and second-time obtaining requests (gachas). The memory220 may store data related to the validity periods of third-time andsubsequent obtaining requests (gachas). That is, the data related tovalidity periods is stored for each of the numbers of times the playerperforms an obtaining request (gacha), and the validity period of a cardgiven to the player is set based on the number of times of the obtainingrequest (gacha).

As described above, the memory processor 232 causes validity periodsthat differ in number and length to be stored in association with gamecontents each having different identification information. The selectionprocessor 233 has a function to select a game content given to theplayer if an obtaining request (gacha) for a game content is receivedfrom a player. If an obtaining request (gacha) for a game content isreceived from a player, the selection processor 233 performs calculationfor selecting a game content from a plurality of game contents inaccordance with a predetermined rule and selects a set of, or apredetermined number of, game contents. Further, if an obtaining request(gacha) for a game content is received from a player, the selectionprocessor 233 may select a set of, or a predetermined number of, gamecontents from a plurality of game contents in accordance with apredetermined order.

If an obtaining request for a game content is received from a player,the selection processor 233 selects the predetermined number of gamecontents based on the data related to validity periods stored in thememory 220. The predetermined number may be a number that has been setin advance (fixed number) or a number that changes each time anobtaining request (gacha) is received. The predetermined number may beset within, for example, a range of “1 to 10.” The predetermined numbermay include “0.” In this case, the selection processor 233 selects nogame content.

For example, the selection processor 233 selects the predeterminednumber of (for example, two) cards 23, which are game contents given tothe player, in accordance with the probabilities set for the validityperiods of game contents. For example, the selection processor 233gives, to the player, card A of which the validity period is set to “10hours” and card B of which the validity period is set to “30 hours” inaccordance with the probabilities associated with the validity periodsillustrated in FIG. 4A. The selection processor 233 may select apredetermined number of game contents for each rarity.

Additionally, for example, if the number of game contents to be providedis stored instead of the provision probability of a game contentselected by gacha, the predetermined number of (for example, two) cards23, which are game contents given to the player, are selected from agroup of game contents including game contents, the number of which isset for each validity period. For example, the selection processor 233gives, to the player, card A of which the validity period is set to “10hours” and card B of which the validity period is set to “30 hours” fromthe card group associated with the validity periods illustrated in FIG.4B. The selection processor 233 may select a predetermined number ofgame contents for each rarity.

As described above, the selection processor 233 can differentiate theprovision probabilities between game contents each having differentidentification information (i.e., card A and card B) and associated withthe same validity period (i.e., card A of which the validity period is“10 hours” and card B of which the validity period is “10 hours”). Thatis, different provision probabilities may be set for game contentsassociated with the same validity period.

Further, for example, the selection processor 233 selects thepredetermined number of game contents based on a provision probabilitythat changes as the number of times of the obtaining request increases.For example, for a first-time obtaining request, the selection processor233 selects the card 23 (a game content given to the player) based onthe data related to validity periods illustrated in FIG. 4A. Further,for example, for a second-time obtaining request, the selectionprocessor 233 selects the card 23 (a game content given to the player)based on the data related to validity periods illustrated in FIG. 5,which differs from the data related to validity periods illustrated inFIG. 4 in the first-time obtaining request.

For the second-time obtaining request, the selection processor 233selects the predetermined number of (for example, two) cards 23, whichare game contents given to the player, in accordance with theprobabilities associated with the validity periods illustrated in FIG.5. For example, the selection processor 233 gives, to the player, card Aof which the validity period is set to “30 hours” and card B of whichthe validity period is set to “20 hours” in accordance with theprobabilities associated with the validity periods illustrated in FIG.5.

In the second-time obtaining request, the selection processor 233 mayselect the predetermined number of (for example, two) cards 23, whichare game contents given to the player, in accordance with theprobabilities associated with the validity periods illustrated in FIG.5. The selection processor 233 may select a predetermined number of gamecontents for each rarity.

The predetermined number may be set for each rarity. For example, theselection processor 233 may select a predetermined number of (forexample, “1”) game contents from the game contents of which the rarityis “S.” For example, the selection processor 233 may select apredetermined number of (for example, “2”) game contents from the gamecontents of which the rarity is “R.”

As described above, in a single selection of the game content, theselection processor 233 selects a game content provided for the playerfrom game contents having validity periods for which different provisionprobabilities are set. In a single selection of the game content, theselection processor 233 may select game contents provided for the playerfrom game contents associated having validity periods for which the sameprovision probability is set. For example, three validity periods,namely, “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and “30 hours,” may be set for one gamecontent, and the provision probability of “10%” may be set for each gamecontent.

Further, if an obtaining request is received from the player apredetermined number of times or more, the selection processor 233 mayguarantee that the player is given a game content that can be used atany time (i.e., a game content having an “infinite” validity period).For example, if the player draws a fourth-time gacha, which is thepredetermined number of times, the selection processor 233 mayassociate, with the player, a game content that can be used at any time(i.e., a game content having an “infinite” validity period). Forexample, in the fourth-time obtaining request, the selection processor233 may give the player two cards (predetermined number of cards) asgame contents having an “infinite” validity period. At this time, evenif the player obtains a game content having an “infinite” validityperiod in the first time to the third time, a game content having an“infinite” validity period may be given in the fourth-time gacha.Further, if a card obtained in the first-time to third-time gachas andhaving a validity period that is not “infinite” is associated with theplayer, a card that is the same type as that card and has an “infinite”validity period may be obtained in the fourth-time gacha. For example,if card A, card B, card C, . . . , having a validity period that is not“infinite” are obtained in the first-time to third-time gachas, cardsthat are the same type as the predetermined number of these cards (forexample, card A and card C) and have an “infinite” validity period maybe associated with the player in the fourth-time gacha. Alternatively,if a card having an “infinite” validity period is not associated withthe player in the first-time to third-time gachas, a card having an“infinite” validity period may be given in the fourth-time gacha. Asanother option, if a card having an “infinite” validity period isassociated with the player in the first-time to third-time gachas, adifferent card having an “infinite” validity period may be given in thefourth-time gacha. In short, while gacha is drawn the predeterminednumber of times, at least one or more cards having an “infinite”validity period simply needs to be obtained. The predetermined number oftimes does not have to be four and may be any number of times. Thepredetermined number does not have to be two. As long as thepredetermined number is one or more, it may be any number.

For example, if the player draws gacha a predetermined number of times,the selection processor 233 may guarantee that a predetermined number ofgame contents having an “infinite” validity period is given to theplayer for each rarity (for example, one game content for each rarity).In this case, the selection processor 233 may set, for each rarity, apredetermined number of times of obtaining requests (gachas) for theplayer to be given a card having an “infinite” validity period. Forexample, for a card of which the rarity is “S,” the setting is made suchthat the player can obtain the card of which the rarity is “S” and whichhas an “infinite” validity period by performing an obtaining request(gacha) ten times. For a card of which the rarity is “R,” the setting ismade such that the player can obtain the card of which the rarity is “R”and which has an “infinite” validity period by performing an obtainingrequest (gacha) four times.

Thus, by performing an obtaining request (gacha) the predeterminednumber of times, the player can obtain a game content that can be used“infinitely.” This motivates the player to perform a new obtainingrequest (gacha).

If an obtaining request is received from the player, the selectionprocessor 233 requests a fee from the player. For example, if the playerperforms a first-time obtaining request, the selection processor 233requests “100C (coin)” as the fee. The fee may be anything. The fee is apredetermined parameter (game content) associated with the player, suchas a “coin (C)” usable in the game. The selection processor 233 does nothave to request any fees from the player for the initial, firstobtaining request (gacha).

The selection processor 233 may increase the fee as the number of timesof the obtaining request increases. For example, if the player performsa second-time obtaining request, the selection processor 233 requests“300C” as the fee. Further, for example, if the player performs athird-time obtaining request, the selection processor 233 requests“500C” as the fee. Further, for example, if the player performs afourth-time obtaining request, the selection processor 233 requests“1000C” as the fee. The fees requested by the selection processor 233are just examples and may have any amount. Further, the fee does nothave to be requested by the selection processor 233 four times (stagesor steps) and may be requested any number of times (stages or steps).

The selection processor 233 may accept an obtaining request (gacha) fromthe player during the occurrence of a predetermined event (game event),i.e., during a period in which the obtaining request can be performed,and determine the fee requested from the player based on the remainingtime until the event ends. For example, if the remaining time is short,the selection processor 233 decreases the fee requested from the player.If the remaining time is long, the selection processor 233 increases thefee requested from the player. For example, if the remaining time untilthe predetermined event ends is “3 days,” the selection processor 233sets the fee requested from the player to a fee that is 1.5 times largerthan a standard fee. If the remaining time until the predetermined eventends is “1 day,” the selection processor 233 sets the fee requested fromthe player to a fee that is 0.5 times larger than the standard fee. Theselection processor 233 may decrease the fee if the remaining time islong and increase the fee if the remaining time is short.

The setting processor 234 obtains the validity period associated withthe game content selected by the selection processor 233 and sets theobtained validity period as the validity period of the game content. Forexample, the setting processor 234 sets a validity period for each ofthe game contents selected by the selection processor 233 based on thedata related to the validity periods stored in the memory 220.

Further, the selection processor 233 sets a validity period for the gamecontent given to a player based on the data related to the validityperiods set based on the number of obtaining requests (gachas) performedby the player.

If the player performs a first-time obtaining request (gacha), thesetting processor 234 refers to the data related to validity periodsillustrated in FIG. 4A and sets a validity period for each of the gamecontents selected by the selection processor 233. For example, if card Aof which the validity period is “10 hours” is given to the player, theselection processor 233 sets the validity period of card A given to theplayer to “10 hours.”

If the player performs a second-time obtaining request (gacha), thesetting processor 234 refers to the data related to validity periodsillustrated in FIG. 5 and sets a validity period for each of the gamecontents given to the player. For example, if card A of which thevalidity period is “20 hours” is given to the player, the selectionprocessor 233 sets the validity period of card A given to the player to“20 hours.”

The setting processor 234 has a function to obtain the validity periodassociated with a selected game content and, if there is a game content,which has the same identification information as the selected gamecontent, among the game contents associated with the player, to updatethe validity period of that game content based on the obtained validityperiod.

For example, if the player performs a second-time obtaining request(gacha), the setting processor 234 sets the validity period of card Agiven to the player to “20 hours” based on the data related to validityperiods illustrated in FIG. 6. Here, in a case in which a game contenthaving the same identification information as a game content selected ifan obtaining request (gacha) is performed is already associated with theplayer (i.e., in a case in which the player already possesses the gamecontent having the same identification information), the settingprocessor 234 updates the validity period of the game content based onthe obtained validity period. For example, if card A is already given tothe player by the first-time obtaining request (gacha), the settingprocessor 234 updates the validity period of card A given to the playerbased on card A of “20 hours” selected by the second-time obtainingrequest (gacha). The setting processor 234 adds “20 hours,” which is thevalidity period of card A selected in the second-time obtaining request(gacha), to the remaining validity period of card A that is alreadyassociated with the player. For example, if the remaining validityperiod of card A already associated with the player is “5 hours,” thesetting processor 234 adds, to that validity period of the card A, “20hours” (the validity period of card A selected in the second-timeobtaining request (gacha)), thereby setting the validity period of thecard A to “25 hours.” The setting processor 234 may update the validityperiod of the game content using a validity period that differs from thevalidity period obtained through a simple addition. For example, if theremaining validity period of card A already associated with the playeris “5 hours,” the setting processor 234 may set the validity period ofthe card A to “30 hours” instead of “25 hours.”

If an obtaining request is received from the player the predeterminednumber of times or more, the setting processor 234 may set “infinite” asthe validity period for the game content selected by the selectionprocessor 233. For example, in a fourth-time obtaining request, thesetting processor 234 may set “infinite” as the validity periods for twocards (predetermined number of cards), namely, card A and card B. Forexample, if the player draws gacha the predetermined number of times ormore, the setting processor 234 may set “infinite” as the validityperiod for the game content selected for each rarity.

In this manner, if an obtaining request (gacha) is received from theplayer the predetermined number of times or more, the validity period ofa game content associated with the player is set to “infinite.” Thisallows the player to use the game content at any time. That is, theplayer can obtain a game content that can be used “infinitely” byperforming an obtaining request (gacha) the predetermined number oftimes or more. This motivates the player to perform a new obtainingrequest (gacha).

The restriction processor 235 has a function to restrict the use of agame content associated with a player in the game if the validity periodof the game content lapses. The restriction processor 235 transmits, tothe mobile terminal 100, restriction information for restricting the useof a game content of which the validity period has lapsed. Instead ofrestricting the use of a game content, the restriction processor 235 mayrestrict the skills or parameters of the game content. For example, ifthe validity period of the game content associated with the playerlapses, the restriction processor 235 may limit the parameters of thegame content to be low or may restrict the use of a predetermined skillof the skills set for the game content. Alternatively, instead ofrestricting the use of a game content, the restriction processor 235 maylimit game parts that can be executed using the game content. Forexample, if the validity period of the game content associated with theplayer lapses, the restriction processor 235 may limit the use of thegame content to a predetermined quest and prevent the game content frombeing used in quests other than the predetermined quest. As anotheroption, instead of restricting the use of a game content, therestriction processor 235 may restrict the player's action that can beexecuted for the game content. For example, if the validity period ofthe game content associated with the player lapses, the restrictionprocessor 235 may prevent the game content from being leveled up(raised) while allowing the game content to be used for a quest.

Example of Functional Configuration of Mobile Terminal 100

The information processor 131 of the mobile terminal 100 has a functionto accept various inputs from the player via the input receiver 150. Forexample, the information processor 131 accepts an obtaining request(gacha) from the player. Further, the information processor 131 acceptsinformation related to fee payment executed by the player via the inputreceiver 150.

The communication processor 132 has a function to transmit and receivevarious types of information to and from the server 200. For example,the communication processor 132 transmits an obtaining request (gacha)to the server 200. The communication processor 132 receives a requestfor the fee from the server 200. Further, the communication processor132 transmits the information related to the fee payment to the server200. Furthermore, the communication processor 132 receives informationrelated to the validity periods set or updated for each of the selectedgame contents.

The progress processor 133 of the mobile terminal 100 functions to causethe game to progress. For example, the progress processor 133 causes thegame to progress using a game content associated with the player. Forexample, the progress processor 133 causes the game to progress based onthe information that is received from the server 200 and related to agame content associated with the player. For example, the progressprocessor 133 restricts the use of the game content based on therestriction information, which is received from the server 200, forrestricting the use of a game content.

The display processor 134 of the mobile terminal 100 functions toconvert, into pixel information, data for display that is output fromthe information processor 131 or other functional units and outputs thepixel information to the display 140.

Examples of Screen View

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen view thatis displayed on the input receiver of the mobile terminal 100 of theembodiment. FIG. 6 is an example of the screen view displayed if theplayer performs an obtaining request (for example, gacha) for a gamecontent.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100displays a region 20, which indicates that gacha can be drawn during thecurrent period. The region 20 shows “Event Currently Being Held” as theinformation indicating that gacha can be drawn during the currentperiod. The region 20 also shows information related to the end of theevent, “By April 14!!”, as the information related to the period duringwhich a predetermined gacha can be drawn. The region 20 may also showinformation related to game contents likely to be gained by obtainingrequests (gachas). In the example of FIG. 6, the region 20 shows thecard 23 as the game content that is likely to be gained by drawinggacha. The information displayed in the region 20 is not limited tothese examples. Any information may be included as long as it indicatesthat gacha can be drawn.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100displays a region 21, which shows information for the player to performan obtaining request (gacha). The region 21 includes an icon 22, whichcan be selected by the player via the input receiver 150, as theinformation for the player to perform an obtaining request. The playerperforms an obtaining request (gacha) for a game content by selectingthe icon 22.

In the embodiment, a validity period is set for a game content obtainedby the player through an obtaining request (gacha). During the validityperiod, the player can use the game content in a game. For example, fourtypes of validity periods can be set for one game content. The validityperiods include four types, for example, one hour, two hours, threehours, and infinite. The validity periods are not limited to theseexamples and may be any period (duration). The number of types ofvalidity periods set for one game content is not limited to four.Instead, any number of types of validity period may be set for one gamecontent.

When the player performs an obtaining request (gacha), the player isgiven any one of game contents. Also, a validity period is set for thegame content given to the player.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen view thatis displayed on the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100 of theembodiment. FIG. 7 is an example of the screen view that displays a gamecontent given to the player in a case that the player performs anobtaining request (gacha).

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100displays the card 23, which is a game content given if the playerperforms an obtaining request (gacha). The card 23 includes, forexample, a character or an item. The card 23 may include indicationrelated to the rarity of a character or an item. In the example of FIG.7, the card 23 may include indication of the rarity “SR” together with acharacter. The card 23 may include any information as long as it isrelated to the card 23.

Further, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100 may display variousparameters 24 of the card 23. The various parameters 24 of the card 23are, for example, information such as the status, attribute, or rarityof the card 23. In the example of FIG. 7, “100” is displayed as thelevel of the card 23, “10000” is displayed as the status, “fire” isdisplayed as the attribute, and “SR” is displayed as the rarity.

In addition, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100 may include timeinformation 25, which is related to the validity period of the card 23given to the player. The time information 25 indicates the time(available time) during which the player can use the card 23 in thegame. The available time is, for example, the remaining time until thecard 23 becomes unavailable. In the example of FIG. 7, the timeinformation 25 displays “2:34:14” as the remaining time of the card. Thetime information 25 may be any content as long as it indicates that theplayer can use the card 23 in the game. For example, the timeinformation 25 may be time elapsed from the beginning of the use.

Further, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100 displays an icon 26for the player as information for performing an obtaining request(gacha) for a game content. The player can cause the screen view toshift to a screen view to perform an obtaining request (gacha) for agame content by selecting the icon 26. If the available time has lapsedor remains, the player can perform an obtaining request (gacha) for agame content again by selecting the icon 26.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen view thatis displayed on the input receiver of the mobile terminal 100 of theembodiment. FIG. 8 is an example of the screen view displayed in a casethat the player performs an obtaining request (gacha) for a game contentagain.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100displays the region 20, which indicates that an obtaining request(gacha) can be performed during the current period. The region 20 shows“Event Currently Being Held” as the information indicating that anobtaining request (gacha) can be performed during the current period.The region 20 also shows information related to the end of the event,“By April 14!!”, as the information related to the period during whichgacha can be drawn. The region 20 may also show information related togame contents likely to be gained by obtaining requests (gachas). In theexample of FIG. 8, the region 20 shows the card 23 as the game contentthat is likely to be gained by performing an obtaining request (gacha).The information displayed in the region 20 is not limited to theseexamples. Any information may be included as long as it indicates thatan obtaining request (gacha) can be performed.

Further, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100 displays a region27, which shows information for the player to perform an obtainingrequest (gacha). The region 27 includes an icon 29, which can beselected by the player via the input receiver 150, as the informationfor the player to perform an obtaining request. The player performs anobtaining request (gacha) for a game content by selecting the icon 29.

Further, the region 27 includes fee information 28, which is related tothe fee that is necessary if the player performs an obtaining request(gacha) for a game content. For example, the region 27 shows, as the feeinformation 28, information related to necessary predeterminedparameters (coins in the illustration of FIG. 8) that respectivelycorrespond to multiple stages (steps). In the example of FIG. 8, forexample, the number of coins necessary for each of four stages (steps)is displayed as the fee information 28. More specifically, “first time:100C,” “second time: 300C,” “third time: 500C,” and “fourth time: 1000C”are displayed as the fee information. Further, in association with thisfee information, the content guaranteed in each time may be described.For example, the fact that a card having an “indefinite” validity periodcan be obtained in a fourth-time gacha may be displayed. Alternatively,the attribute of a card that can be obtained at the second or third timemay be displayed. These are just examples. Instead, the fee information28 may include any information as long as it is related to the fee thatis necessary if the player performs an obtaining request (gacha) for agame content.

Operation Example of Game System

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart illustrating an operation example of the gamesystem in the embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the information processor 131 of the mobileterminal 100 accepts an obtaining request (gacha) from the player(S1001). Subsequently, the communication processor 132 transmits theobtaining request (gacha) to the server 200 (S1002).

The information processor 231 of the server 200 receives the obtainingrequest (gacha) (S1003). The selection processor 233 requests a fee fromthe player based on the number of times of the obtaining request fromthe player (S1004). If the number of times of the obtaining request fromthe player is the first time, the selection processor 233 may notrequest a fee.

The communication processor 132 of the mobile terminal 100 receives therequest for the fee (S1005). The information processor 131 acceptsinformation related to the fee payment performed by the player via theinput receiver 150 (S1006). Subsequently, the communication processor132 transmits the information related to the fee payment to the server200 (S1007).

The information processor 231 of the server 200 receives the informationrelated to the fee payment from the mobile terminal 100 (S1008). In acase that the selection processor 233 does not request the fee, S1004 toS1008 are omitted.

Then, the selection processor 233 of the server 200 selects apredetermined number of game contents from multiple game contents(S1009). The setting processor 234 obtains a validity period associatedwith the game content that has been selected by the selection processor233 and sets the validity period for the game content (S1010). If thereis a game content having the same identification information as theselected game content among the game contents associated with theplayer, the setting processor 234 may update the validity period of thatgame content based on the obtained validity period (S1010). The settingprocessor 234 transmits, to the mobile terminal 100 via the informationprocessor 231, the information related to the validity period set orupdated for each of the selected game contents (S1011).

The communication processor 132 of the mobile terminal 100 receives theinformation related to the validity period that has been set or updatedfor each of the selected game contents (S1012). The display processor134 causes the display 140 to display the selected game content togetherwith the set or updated validity period (S1013).

As described above, in the game system of the embodiment, a validityperiod is set for a game content. Thus, even in a case in which theplayer has been provided with a game content, the rareness or value ofthe game content can be maintained. Additionally, in the game system ofthe embodiment, the game content has time-related properties. Thisprovides the player with a method for obtaining a wide variety of gamecontents without excessively increasing the processing load of themobile terminals 100 and the server 200 and the amount of data.

Modifications

In a modification of the embodiment, the available time of a specificgame content can be extended or updated (or newly given) by the playerperforming an obtaining request (gacha). The example of theconfiguration of the mobile terminal 100 and the server 200 is the sameas the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, the configuration will notbe described in detail.

The selection processor 233 of the server 200 refers to data related tovalidity periods stored in the memory 220 to select one of multiplevalidity periods that can be selected for a specific game content. Forexample, if the player performs a second-time obtaining request (gacha),the selection processor 233, based on the data related to the validityperiods, selects one of the validity periods “10 hours,” “20 hours,” and“30 hours” that can be selected for card A, which is a game content, asthe validity period for card A based on the probability of each validityperiod being selected. For example, the selection processor 233 selects,as a new validity period of card A, “10 hours” at the probability of“62%,” “20 hours” at the probability of “32%,” and “30 hours” at theprobability of “6%.”

The setting processor 234 sets the validity period selected by theselection processor 233 as the validity period of the specific gamecontent. For example, the setting processor 234 extends or updates thevalidity period of the game content A based on “30 hours” selected bythe selection processor 233.

If an obtaining request for a specific game content is received from theplayer a predetermined number of times or more, the selection processor233 may select “indefinite” as the validity period of the specific gamecontent. For example, if the player draws gacha four times(predetermined number of times) or more, the selection processor 233 mayselect “indefinite” as the validity period of the specific game content.

Further, if an obtaining request is received from the player thepredetermined number of times or more, the setting processor 234 may set“indefinite” as the validity period for the specific game content. Forexample, for a fourth-time obtaining request, the setting processor 234sets “indefinite” as the validity period for the specific game content.

Thus, if the player performed the obtaining request (gacha) apredetermined number of times or more, the validity period of a specificgame content is set to “indefinite.” This motivates the player toperform a new obtaining request (gacha).

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a screen viewthat is displayed on the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100 of themodification of the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the display140 of the mobile terminal 100 displays the card 23, which is a gamecontent associated with the player. The card 23 includes, for example, acharacter or an item. The card 23 may include indication related to therarity of a character or an item. In the example of FIG. 10, the card 23may include indication of the rarity “SR” together with a character. Thecard 23 may include any information as long as it is related to the card23.

Further, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100 may display thevarious parameters 24 of the card 23. The various parameters 24 of thecard 23 are, for example, information such as the level, status,attribute, or rarity of the card 23. In the example of FIG. 10, “100” isdisplayed as the level of the card 23, “10000” is displayed as thestatus, “fire” is displayed as the attribute, and “SR” is displayed asthe rarity.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the display 140 of the mobile terminal 100displays a region 21A, which shows the information for the player toperform an obtaining request (gacha). In the example of FIG. 10, theplayer performs an obtaining request (gacha) in order to extend thevalidity period of the card 23 that is being displayed or update thevalidity period of the card 23 (assign a new validity period of the card23). The region 21A includes the icon 29, which can be selected by theplayer via the input receiver 150, as the information for the player toperform an obtaining request. The player performs an obtaining request(gacha) for a game content by selecting the icon 29.

Further, the region 21A includes fee information 28, which is related tothe fee that is necessary in a case that the player performs anobtaining request (gacha) for a game content. For example, the region 27shows, as the fee information 28, information related to necessarypredetermined parameters (coins in the illustration of FIG. 10) thatrespectively correspond to multiple stages (steps). In the example ofFIG. 10, for example, the number of coins necessary for each of fourstages (steps) is displayed as the fee information 28. Morespecifically, “first time: 100C,” “second time: 300C,” “third time:500C,” and “fourth time: 1000C” are displayed as the fee information.These are just examples. Instead, the fee information 28 may include anyinformation as long as it is related to the fee that is necessary in acase that the player performs an obtaining request (gacha) for a gamecontent.

FIG. 11 is a sequence chart illustrating an operation example of thegame system in the modification of the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the information processor 131 of the mobile terminal 100accepts an obtaining request (gacha) for a specific game content fromthe player (S2001). Subsequently, the communication processor 132transmits the obtaining request (gacha) to the server 200 (S2002).

The information processor 231 of the server 200 receives the obtainingrequest (gacha) (S2003). The selection processor 233 requests a fee fromthe player based on the number of times of the obtaining request fromthe player (S2004).

The communication processor 132 of the mobile terminal 100 receives therequest for the fee (S2005). The information processor 131 acceptsinformation related to the fee payment executed by the player via theinput receiver 150 (S2006). Subsequently, the communication processor132 transmits the information related to the fee payment to the server200 (S2007).

The information processor 231 of the server 200 receives the informationrelated to the fee payment from the mobile terminal 100 (S2008).Subsequently, the selection processor 233 of the server 200 refers tothe memory 220 to select one of multiple validity periods that can beselected for the specific game content (S2009). The setting processor234 obtains the validity period selected by the selection processor 233and sets the validity period for the game content (S2010). The settingprocessor 234 transmits, to the mobile terminal 100 via the informationprocessor 231, the information related to the validity period extendedor updated for the specific game content (S2011).

The communication processor 132 of the mobile terminal 100 receivesinformation related to the validity period that has been extended orupdated for the specific game content (S2012). The display processor 134causes the display 140 to display the specific game content togetherwith the validity period that has been extended or updated (S2013).

As described above, in the game system of the embodiment, the availabletime of a specific game content can be extended or updated (newly added)by the player performing an obtaining request (gacha). Thus, the playercauses the game to progress by selecting whether to use the game contentagain. Accordingly, a game that is highly strategic and is intriguingfor the player can be provided. Further, the player can set “indefinite”as the validity period for the specific game content by performing anobtaining request (gacha) the predetermined number of times or more.This motivates the player to perform a new obtaining request (gacha). Inaddition, in the game system of the embodiment, the game content hastime-related properties. This provides the player with a method forobtaining a wide variety of game contents without excessively increasingthe processing load of the mobile terminals 100 and the server 200 andthe amount of data.

In the foregoing description, the information processing deviceaccording to one aspect of the present invention functions as a mobileterminal (client device) and the program according to one aspect of thepresent invention is executed as a native application (native game) inthe mobile terminal. However, the present invention is not limited tothis configuration. Instead, the information processing device accordingto one aspect of the present invention may function as a server.Further, the program according to one aspect of the present inventionmay be partly or entirely executed as a web application (web game) inthe server, and the result of the executed process may be returned tothe mobile terminal.

In the above-described embodiment, an information processing device200′, which is a server device, may include part of or all of the units(in particular, the controller 130) of the information processing device100, which is a mobile terminal. Further, the information processingdevice 200′ may be able to transmit the output result of the game to themobile terminal 100 based on inputs given to the mobile terminal 100.Thus, the information processing device 200′ provides the same effect asthe effect produced by the mobile terminal 100 in a case that the mobileterminal 100 provides the functions.

In a case that the result of the game is displayed via a web browser,the mobile terminal 100 can accumulate information received from theserver 200′ in, for example, a predetermined memory area (web storage)by the web browser.

The game may be a hybrid game in which the information processing device200′ and the mobile terminal 100 command part of the processes. Morespecifically, for example, the game view may be displayed by the webbrowser on the mobile terminal 100 based on the data generated by theinformation processing device 200′, and other menu views or the like maybe displayed by a native application installed in the mobile terminal100.

Even if the game program according to the present invention is achievedas a native application executed on the mobile terminal 100, the mobileterminal 100 can access the information processing device 200′ asnecessary to download and use information related to the progress of thegame (for example, information related to a player, information relatedto other players who are in a friend relationship with the player,information related to accumulated points, items, and charactersassociated with the player, or ranking information of the player).Further, mobile terminals may be communicably connected to each other(for example, peer-to-peer communication such as near-fieldcommunication using Bluetooth (registered trademark)) such that themobile terminals synchronize with each other and multiple players playthe game in a multi-play way.

The above-described methods may include not only the processes describedwith reference to the flowcharts but also a process executed by eachunit of the controller 130. The mobile terminal 100 is not limited to asmartphone as shown in the figure. The mobile terminal may be any deviceas long as it is an information processing device that can achieve thefunctions explained in the above-described embodiment. For example, themobile terminal may be a mobile phone, a personal computer (PC), or atablet terminal.

The controllers of the mobile terminals 100A to 100C and the server 200may be circuitry including logic circuits (hardware) provided on anintegrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, one or more processors such ascentral processing units (CPUs) that operate in accordance with computerprograms (software), or a combination thereof. For software, the mobileterminals 100A to 100C and the server 200 include, for example, a CPUthat executes instructions of a program that is software achieving eachfunction, a read-only memory (ROM) (referred to as a recording medium)or a storage device (referred to as a recording medium) recorded suchthat the program and various types of data can be read by an informationprocessing device (or CPU), and a random access memory (RAM) thatdevelops the program. The objective of the present invention is achievedby the information processing device (or CPU) reading the program fromthe recording medium and executing the program. Further, the program maybe delivered to the information processing device via a transmissionmedium (for example, communication network or broadcast wave) that cantransmit the program. The present invention may also be achieved by amode of data signals embedded in carrier waves in which the program isachieved through electronic transmission.

The above-described program can be implemented by using, for example,script language such as ActionScript or JavaScript (registeredtrademark), object-oriented programming language such as Objective-C orJava (registered trademark), or a markup language such as HTML5.Further, the game system including the mobile terminal (for example,mobile terminal 100) provided with the units that achieve the functionsachieved by the program and the server provided with the units thatachieve the remaining functions, which differ from the functions of themobile terminal 100, is within a scope of the present invention.

Although the present invention has been described based on the drawingsand examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art caneasily make various modifications and corrections based on the presentdisclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these variations andmodifications are included in the scope of the present invention. Forexample, functions included in each means, each step, and the like canbe rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and a pluralityof means, steps, and the like can be combined or divided into one. Theconfigurations illustrated in the above-described embodiments may becombined with each other.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

10) player; 23) game content (card); 100) mobile terminal (informationprocessing device); 110) communication device 120) memory; 130)controller; 140) display; 150) input receiver; 160) audio I/F; 200)server (information processing device); 210) communication device; 220)memory; 230) controller; 300) network

What is claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory computer-readable medium thatstores a program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computerto: transmit instructions to a terminal device, which includes a displaythat displays a graphical user interface, to generate the graphical userinterface and to execute a game associated with a player on thegraphical user interface of the display; in response to receiving anobtaining request inputted into the graphical user interface, select atleast one first game content of a plurality of game contents based onthe received obtaining request; obtain a validity period associated withthe at least one first game content of the plurality of game contents,and transmit instructions to the terminal device to display the selectedat least one first game content of the plurality of game contents to theplayer via the game executed on the graphical user interface; inresponse to receiving a predetermined number of additional obtainingrequests for one game content of the plurality of game contents, selecta second game content of the plurality of game contents having avalidity period that is set to be an unlimited period of time; andtransmit instructions to the terminal device to display the second gamecontent with the validity period that is set to be the unlimited periodof time to the player via the game executed on the graphical userinterface.
 2. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according toclaim 1, wherein the program, when executed by the computer, furthercauses the computer to: when receiving the additional obtainingrequests, which are a number of obtaining requests that is less than thepredetermined number, select and transmit, to the terminal device, oneor more additional game content having the validity period that is alimited period of time; and upon receiving the additional obtainingrequest that is equal to the predetermined number of additionalobtaining requests, select and transmit, to the terminal device, thesecond game content with the validity period that is set to be theunlimited period of time, the second game content being the same as thefirst game content or the one or more additional game content.
 3. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 1, whereinthe first game content is the same as the second game content.
 4. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 1, whereinthe first game content is the same as the second game content, and thegame content requested in the predetermined number of additionalobtaining requests is for the same game content as the first gamecontent and the second game content.
 5. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the program, whenexecuted by the computer, further causes the computer to: when receivingthe additional obtaining requests, which are a number of obtainingrequests that is less than the predetermined number, select andtransmit, to the terminal device, additional game content having avalidity period.
 6. The non-transitory computer-readable mediumaccording to claim 5, wherein the program, when executed by thecomputer, further causes the computer to: when none of the first gamecontent and the selected additional game content have a correspondingvalidity period that is set to be an unlimited period of time, selectthe second game content of the plurality of game contents having thevalidity period that is set to be an unlimited period of time.
 7. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 5, whereinthe program, when executed by the computer, further causes the computerto: when at least one of the first game content and the selectedadditional game content has a corresponding validity period that is setto be an unlimited period of time, select the second game content of theplurality of game contents having the validity period that is set to bean unlimited period of time, the selected second game content being adifferent game content than the first game content and the additionalgame content.
 8. The non-transitory computer-readable medium accordingto claim 1, wherein: when the predetermined number of additionalobtaining requests is a first predetermined number, the program, whenexecuted by the computer, further causes the computer to, in response toreceiving the first predetermined number of additional obtainingrequests for one game content of the plurality of game contents, selectand transmit, to the terminal device, one or more second game content ofthe plurality of game contents having a validity period that is set tobe an unlimited period of time, each second game content of the one ormore second game content having a first attribute.
 9. The non-transitorycomputer-readable medium according to claim 8, wherein: when thepredetermined number of additional obtaining requests is a secondpredetermined number, which is different than the first predeterminednumber, the program, when executed by the computer, further causes thecomputer to, in response to receiving the second predetermined number ofadditional obtaining requests for one game content of the plurality ofgame contents, select and transmit, to the terminal device, one or moresecond game content of the plurality of game contents having a validityperiod that is set to be an unlimited period of time, each second gamecontent of the one or more second game content having a secondattribute, which is different than the first attribute.
 10. Thenon-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 1, whereinthe program, when executed by the computer, further causes the computerto: transmit instructions to the terminal device to display therespective validity period on the graphical user interface of thedisplay prior to transmitting the respective game contents of theplurality of game contents, which includes at least one of the firstgame content and the second game content.
 11. A method comprising:transmitting instructions to generate a graphical user interface, whichis displayed on a display of a computer device, and to execute a gameassociated with a player on the graphical user interface of the display;in response to receiving an obtaining request inputted into thegraphical user interface, selecting at least one first game content of aplurality of game contents based on the received obtaining request;obtaining a validity period associated with the at least one first gamecontent of the plurality of game contents, and transmitting instructionsto the computer device to display the selected at least one first gamecontent of the plurality of game contents to the player via the gameexecuted on the graphical user interface; in response to receiving apredetermined number of additional obtaining requests for one gamecontent of the plurality of game contents, selecting a second gamecontent of the plurality of game contents having a validity period thatis set to be an unlimited period of time; and transmitting instructionsto the computer device to display the second game content with thevalidity period that is set to be the unlimited period of time to theplayer via the game executed on the graphical user interface.
 12. Aninformation processing device comprising: a processor programmed to:transmit instructions to a terminal device, which includes a displaythat displays a graphical user interface, to generate the graphical userinterface and to execute a game associated with a player on thegraphical user interface of the display; in response to receiving anobtaining request inputted into the graphical user interface, select atleast one first game content of a plurality of game contents based onthe received obtaining request; obtain a validity period associated withthe at least one first game content of the plurality of game contents,and transmit instructions to the terminal device to display the selectedat least one first game content of the plurality of game contents to theplayer via the game executed on the graphical user interface; inresponse to receiving a predetermined number of additional obtainingrequests for one game content of the plurality of game contents, selecta second game content of the plurality of game contents having avalidity period that is set to be an unlimited period of time; andtransmit instructions to the terminal device to display the second gamecontent with the validity period that is set to be the unlimited periodof time to the player via the game executed on the graphical userinterface.